Top 16 Romantic Things to do on your Hokkaido Honeymoon

January 20, 2017/

Japan is perfect for a honeymoon destination as it has a lot to offer when it comes to attractions fit for romantic getaways. In fact, tourists and bloggers consider Hokkaido as a lovers’ paradise due to its natural beauty which gives couples the best trip of their lives. Plan your trip now and experience Japan’s culture together with its delicious cuisines, superb accommodation, and luxurious relaxation time. Here in TWV, we share how the land of the rising sun can give you the dreamed honeymoon of your married life.

16 Romantic Hokkaido Experiences for the Honeymoon of a Lifetime

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1. Visit the most beautiful village in Japan (Bie-Cho)

Photo from Rare DelightsPhoto from Birds

Get your eyes ready for the overwhelming beauty of Hokkaido! Bie-cho or Biei is a town located in Hokkaido’s Kamikawa District and is known to residents as the town of hills. If you visit here, you will definitely agree that Bie-cho is the most beautiful village in Japan as you see the impressive landscapes from the hills of the agricultural town. Then, do not forget to extend your tour at Blue Pond where you can witness its icy beauty during winter and freshness during other seasons.

2. Dance in Furano’s lavender fields

Photo from WloonPhoto from Be-en

Dance your heart out in the spectacular lavender fields of Furano. This is one of the symbolic spots of Hokkaido which came to popularity after becoming the location for the two-decade-long TV drama series Kita no Kuni Kara. What makes Furano a romantic paradise is its lavender fields in Farm Tomita where you can feast your eyes over the blooming lavender beds and stripes of colorful flowers, free of charge. If you are planning to visit here for your honeymoon vacation, choose a date from early July to early August as the flowers are all in bloom. After spending your time in the flower field, you can shop around Farm Tomita and not miss their lavender cream! To get to Farm Tomita, you can check the directions here

3. Be mesmerized by endless flower beds at Shikisai No Oka

Photo from Hokkaido LikersPhoto from Hokkaido Likers

If you think Furano Lavenders had already made you feel like jumping over the fields to caress the flower beds, Shikisai No Oka Garden might drive you flowery crazy. Aside from the dream-like bloom fields, you will also have the luxury of the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range becoming the natural backdrop of your postcard-worthy photos. With its 15 whopping hectares of seasonal blossoms, you are assured of another breathtaking experience. Just make sure that you can catch your breath so you can savour the smell of the dozens of flower varieties.

For further magnificent exploration, you may visit the harbor city of Otaru. It’s not much of a Venice, but it can give you a worthy boat-ride. The port city is located at north-west of Sapporo on Ishikari Bay. This means that if you will take a train from Sapporo, you will only take about half an hour to find a beautifully preserved canal area and interesting herring mansions of Otaru. Also, this city is known for glassworks, music boxes, and sake distilleries.

www.shikisainooka.jpAddress: No.3 Aza Shinsei, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, HokkaidoPhone: 0166-95-2758Opening hours: 9:00AM to 4:00PM between April to OctoberEntrance fee: There is no entrance fee here but there is a request of 200 yen donation (roughly SGD3) for the field’s maintenance.

4. Enjoy coffee next to a sea of clouds at Unkai Terrace

Photo from Is Japan CoolPhoto from Is Japan Cool

There is no best way to fill your stomach than to eat at a “café closest to heaven”. Be on top of the clouds at Shimukappu city at the Unkai Terrace as you sip a cup of coffee. You may reach this terrace via ropeway from Tomamu to enjoy the fantastic spectacle of nature, sea of clouds. You can also have your breakfast here where you will surely eat like a king! Plus the elevation of 1088 metres, you can already touch the clouds.

5. Have yourself a winter adrenaline at Rusutsu Resort

Photo from ExpediaPhoto from Shred Everyday

Rusutsu Resort, located at the foot of Mt. Yotei, is known as the largest and one of the best ski resorts in Hokkaido. You can enjoy long runs as the ski area covers three mountains. You can also find two large hotels at the base of ski slopes where you can try other attractions of Rusutsu Resort like its restaurants, shops, pool facilities, and hot spring baths. If you don’t have time during winter, you can have your honeymoon vacation here during summer and enjoy the heat on a golf game. You may also enjoy the amusement park with more than 60 attractions and eight roller coaster rides.

Furthermore, if you want to continue with your adrenaline, make sure to try skiing on the powdery slopes of Niseko. It is the most famous ski resort in Japan as it has tons of light powder snow. Also, Niseko’s resorts are very accessible to skiers. You can enjoy long ski runs and other activities to three major resorts: Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village, and Annupuri. If you visit here for your honeymoon vacation, you may avail a special combination ticket called as Niseko All Mountain Pass that will give you access to all three resorts.

6. Kampai at Yoichi Distillery!

Photo from NikkaPhoto from Tabione

Yochi is a Japanese distillery located at the Yoichi District. Here, you can learn about the historical distillery of Masataka Taketsuru, as they have whisky museum exhibiting different materials used in the production of whisky. You may also refresh your taste buds by entering the tasting room to try samples of their spirits for free! But, if you will try rare malt whiskies, you have to pay an amount. After that, you can also shop for souvenirs or memorabilia of your trip in Yoichi Distillery.

If you want to experience another Japanese natural wonder, you can visit Lake Mashu. Here, you are able to see the sky even without looking above as the lake has a mirror-lake surface. In fact, Lake Mashu is an endorheic crater lake formed in the caldera of a potentially active volcano. This lake is located in Akan National Park and every tourist must be aware that the lake is covered all year round by mist, but they can still see the deep blue color of the lake on a clear day. There are three observation decks here that may help you to have an access to breathtaking view of Lake Mashu.

After spending your day in Lake Mashu, you can actually extend your sightseeing until night time! Mount Hakodate offers a spectacular night view of the whole of Hakodate that will leave you speechless and make your honeymoon extra romantic. Then, there is a ropeway that will take you to the peak, where you can see cafés and restaurants. It has a shimmering constellation of lights framed by black-water bays on two sides. Take note that the nighttime view of the city from the mountain is considered by many Japanese to be the city’s number one highlight!

8. Take an extraordinary wilderness experience

Photo from Daily MailPhoto from Eastern Hokkaido

Asahiyama zoo in Asahikawa is one of the unusual zoos you may visit for your honeymoon vacation. You can see 150 different animals up close and can grab the chance to see penguins during winter. Take your time as you walk slowly on the path of fellow visitors.

After watching adorable penguins, you can also say hello to big bears at Sahoro Resort Bear Mountain. You can head to Sahoro Resort’s Bear Mountain located in the central Hokkaido town of Shintoku. Here, you can interact with bears in two viewing options. You can watch the bears in an enclosed 40-acre reserve’s resident bears from a glass walkway or ride a heavily fortified bus on a one-hour tour. Be sure to visit this destination for your honeymoon vacation because chances to experience wildlife does not always come at your doorstep. You also don’t have to worry about safety as the facilities are specially designed to ensure visitors’ safety.

Asahiyama Zoo Address: 078-8205 Hokkaido Prefecture, AsahikawaHow to get here: You may take a bus from Asayihama airport going to Asayihama zoo.Phone: +81 166-36-1104

9. Eat freshly caught squid at Hakodate Morning Market

Photo from See JapanPhoto from Texan in Tokyo

Hakodate Morning Market is well-known for squid fishing, called “ika tsuri” in Japanese. This morning market is located right in front of JR Hakodate Station wherein you can find fresh fish. They also offer crabs, fruits, vegetables, and souvenirs. Then aside from enjoying delicious fresh seafood, you can also enjoy the market’s spectacular views from Mount Hakodate, so consider adding this destination to your honeymoon itinerary.

After enjoying fresh squids, you can head to Otaru to try delicious sushi, fresh seafood rice bowl, and port and fresh seafood. Also, there are over 100 sushi restaurants wherein Sushiya-dori – literally means Sushi Shop Street – is one of the best and well-recommended for every tourist. You can take a seat and order a kaisen donburi—a fresh seafood rice bowl – or you can also specify the seafood of your choice. It is highly recommended to have an order of sake, ikura, and uni. Kampai!

10. Relax your muscles in a hot bath at Noboribetsu Onsen

Photo from Ken Can TravelPhoto from Japanese Search

If you are getting a bit off because of the chilling snow, head straight to Noboribetsu Onsen, Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring resort. You can have a romantic honeymoon experience as you try different types of hot spring water surfaces in the spectacular Jigokudani or “Hell Valley” just above the resort town.

Another popular hot spring resort is Jozankei Onsen, located near Sapporo wherein you can enjoy gender separated baths. Jozankei is a popular destination in fall when trees along the valleys turn to brilliant yellows and red. Mid-October is the recommended date to visit here.

11. See drift ice in Okhotsk Sea during winter

Photo from Japan GuidePhoto from Japan Monthly Web Magazine

The Okhotsk Sea is a marginal sea of the western Pacific Ocean lying between different islands including Hokkaido. There are different tourist attractions here which are offered to the visiting public such as the Akan National Park, the Prison museum, and the drift ice. This ice comes from the Amur River in Russia that which drifts to The Okhotsk Sea on the months of January to early February. To experience stepping right on the ice, you can join a Drift Ice Cruise or a Drift Ice Tour organized locally.

12. Have a quirky ride at the roller coaster road

Photo from MatomePhoto from Psy Ritsumei

The roller coaster road is a famous sightseeing spot between Furano and Bie. When you visit here for your honeymoon vacation, you can witness the peak of the Miyama Pass in Kamifurano going down to Furano. This road allows speeding down the long and straight path that leads all the way to the horizon. This is a thrilling experience and take note that there are crossroads on the road, so be careful on your driving.

13. Seek autumn adventure at Daisetsuzan National Park

Photo from She Walks the WorldPhoto from Norma in Japan

Looking for the perfect autumn destination? Daisetsuzan National Park is the place to be. It is Hokkaido’s biggest protected park at over 2,000 square kilometers. You can also find lush forests, well-preserved mountains, and Japan’s preserved wilderness. Then for hikers, you can explore the volcanoes here and relax in the park’s stunning hot springs after doing different adventurous activities. Let yourself be lost in awe as you fill your eyes with the mix of yellowish red autumn leaves.

On the other hand, you can also enjoy Shiretoko which is a peninsula located at the northeastern tip of Hokkaido. In fact, its name in Ainu means “the end of the world.” So upon considering this destination as one of your honeymoon vacation itineraries, you may witness one of the richest integrated ecosystems in the world according to UNESCO.

Another option fo nature adventure is Kushiro-shitsugen National Park. This park is located in the east of Hokkaido and known for its wetland ecosystems. Here you can explore different rivers and forests so make sure to capture the spectacular views here for your honeymoon vacation. Also, don’t forget to protect this abundant nature of Japan while enjoying your exploration. Do also take note that during winter seasons, you can enjoy watching the Japanese crane resting in the wetlands as the area offers a variety of outdoor activities, including canoeing, biking, and horse trekking.

14.Hike up the tallest mountain of Hokkaido

Photo from WalkopediaPhoto from Walkopedia

If you are up for a climb, the 2291-metre Mount Asahidake might give you just that. This is the tallest mountain in Hokkaido, Japan and is located in the northern part of Daisetsuzan National Park. You don’t have to be worried about picking a date in visiting this destination as there are different surprises in store for you in every season. There are hot springs at the foot of the mountain as well as dining and shopping establishments.

How to get there: You can take the Asahidake Ropeway at Asahidake Onsen for 2900 yen round trip.

15. Chill out with snow statues at the Sapporo Snow Festival and warm up with Sapporo Beer

Photo from Japan TalkPhoto from Tuesday Night cigar Club

Wishing for snow? Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it at the Sapporo Snow Festival. This is a yearly festival held in Sapporo, Hokkaido which is celebrated for seven days in the month of February. Next year, it will be held on February 6 to 12. Be prepared to see huge snow statues here wherein the tallest one measures as high as 15m. Have a heart melting experience upon seeing ice sculptures that also fascinates about two million people yearly. You can choose from the three sites: the Odori Site, Susukino Site, and Tsu Dome Site.

After enjoying the snow, you can warm up at the Sapporo Beer Museum which is registered as one of the Hokkaido Heritage sites since 2004, being the only beer museum in Japan. Also, this museum is run by the Sapporo Brewing Company where they offer a free guided tour that covers the history and brewing of beer in Hokkaido. After the tour, you can taste all the beer you want for 30 minutes for a nominal fee. Then if 30 minutes isn’t enough for you, you can adjourn to the adjoining beer garden where frosty pints will be poured for as long as you please. Kampai all you can!

16. Go on a road trip and stare at the beauty of Hokkaido

Photo from Come to Japan Photo from Lonely Planet

Buckle up and be ready to hit the Hokkaido road! Renting a luxury car is one of the amazing ways to spend your time with your partner in your honeymoon vacation as you can enjoy the beautiful sceneries of Hokkaido. Just a simple tip, consider resting at Hokkaido’s Michi No Eki (Roadside Stations). This is free so you don’t have to worry too much about the fees. Just ensure that you and the car you rented is well-equipped to ensure safe and enjoyable road trip experience in Hokkaido.

Best time to visit Hokkaido:Hokkaido has a breathtaking scenery all throughout the four seasons but winter is indeed one of the best times to visit here because you can experience the best snow in the world. You can also join grand festivals that are specially designed for winter seasons, or you may take memorabilia in different winter attractions.

How to get to Hokkaido:Taking a flight is the fastest way to reach Hokkaido for your honeymoon. There are flights from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport that will take 1 and 1/2 hours. You may check flight from Singapore to Hokkaido here.

Get Insured on your Honeymoon

Do remember to purchase your travel insurance before embarking on your honeymoon. Insurance is key to safeguarding yourself against expensive medical costs or luggage losses.

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